The highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked” had its first screening on Wednesday (30) for journalists and film critics. The show will be separated into two parts. In Brazil, the first film opens in theaters in November 21st .
The plot follows the story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo nominated for an Oscar for “Harriet “), a young woman who, because she has green skin, is misunderstood and still does not know her true power, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), a popular and ambitious woman who has not yet discovered her true identity.
The two meet at Shiz University, in the Land of Oz, and become friends. However, after an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their paths separate, causing them to become the Good Witch of the South and the Wicked Witch of the West, characters from “The Wizard of Oz”.
See the first reactions to “Wicked”
The majority of reactions were positive, highlighting the greatness of the adaptation. The praise extends to the performances of the protagonists, but especially Ariana Grande. See below.
- Kate Stephan Variety reporter
“I was ‘pessimistic’ going in, but… ‘Wicked’ is a masterpiece. Ariana Grande makes Glinda shine: she enjoys every moment with taste, humor and hair movements. Jon M. Chu added so much new life to the story that I can see why it needed to be a two-parter! It was worth waiting 20 years.”
- Simon Thompson, journalist and voter of the Emmy, Bafta and Critics Choice Awards
“The movie ‘Wicked’ It’s an Oz show that explodes and enchants on the big screen. An absolutely stunning sight. The protagonists Erivo and Grande broke everything. While this may not convert many anti-musical people, fans of the genre and die-hard Ozians (Wickhards?) will delight in it.”
- Jazz Tangcay editor at Variety
“As someone who loves the music from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘Wicked,’ I was skeptical about it. Did it need to be two films and so much time? What were these clips? I wasn’t sold. And I was wrong! ‘Wicked’ is everything cinema should be. The craftsmanship and acting are absolutely incredible.”
- Scott Menzel journalist and Emmy, Bafta and Critics Choice Awards voter
“’Wicked’ is a cinematic spectacle that serves as one of the best film adaptations of a Broadway musical of all time. Jon M. Chu perfectly captures the magic of the Broadway show while adding some of his own unique flourishes to the source material. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo completely kill it as Elphaba and Galinda. Jonathan Bailey is also phenomenal in the film. ‘Wicked’ lives up to the hype. It is without a doubt one of the best films of the year.
- Erin Strecker executive editor of IndieWire
“I’m happy to confirm that ‘Wicked’ is the best musical-to-film adaptation since ‘Chicago’ and ‘Mamma Mia.’ Ariana Grande….is it perfection!?”
- Drew Taylor senior writer at The Wrap
“’Wicked’ is solid – sumptuously realized, sometimes quite moving (both leads are incredible). But it also falls into some of the pitfalls of Disney remakes that diminish their power – overlong, loud, overly designed. Overall I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for part 2.”
Watch the trailer for “Wicked”
“Wicked”: discover the collection of dolls inspired by the film
This content was originally published in “Wicked”: see the first reactions to the adaptation of the Broadway musical on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m Robert Neff, a professional writer and editor. I specialize in the entertainment section, providing up-to-date coverage on the latest developments in film, television and music. My work has been featured on World Stock Market and other prominent publications.